Sales at J.C. Penney stores open more than a year rose 4.1 percent, above the 3.9 percent expected by analysts polled by research firm Consensus Metrix.

J.C. Penney’s sales have been improving since the company abandoned its attempt to move upmarket in 2013, reintroducing traditional discounts and focusing on a narrower set of products.

The company's shares were up 5.5 percent at $8.51 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Up to Thursday's close, the stock had gained about 25 percent this year. Graphic on department store earnings: (reut.rs/1UIbCmK)